A national meeting was held in the northern province of Bac Ninh on March 22 to mark the United Nations' annual World Water Day .
The United Nations has selected ‘Why Wastewater?’ as the theme for the 2017 World Water Day to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals, improve the collection and treatment of wastewater and safely reuse it while reducing the quantity and level of pollution of wastewater we produce, to help protect the environment and precious water resources.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha reported that according to the World Health Organisation, there are over 663 million people living without access to safe water supply close to their homes, spending countless hours queuing or trekking to distant sources, and coping with health impacts due to consuming contaminated water.
He noted that most of the wastewater from households, cities and urban areas has not yet been processed but is discharged directly into the environment, consequently polluting the environment and clean water sources, which is becoming increasingly scarce due to the impacts of climate change.
The minister stressed the theme of this year’s World Water Day sends out a message that recycling wastewater could help improve water sources for living things on earth.
Vietnam is located in the downstream area. Two third of its river water resources originate outside the country, making it susceptible to relevant decisions made in upstream countries.
Vietnam’s average domestic water resource is estimated to stand at 3,600 m3 per person per year, well below the world figure of 4,000 m3. Pressures from economic growth and growing population have led to water pollution, degradation and depletion.
To tackle this shortcoming, the Party and State have developed guidelines and policies to enhance management, and make effective and sustainable use of water resources, ensuring green growth and sustainable development, minister Ha emphasised.
The minister called for the community’s concerted efforts to tackle environmental challenges in general and wastewater in particular.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Bac Ninh People’s Committee Nguyen Tu Quynh said his province is growing rapidly with significant environmental problems, particularly wastewater from craft business and household activities.
The Chairman urged active participation of the whole society in improving and protecting water resources.
During the meeting, participating international organisations and domestic businesses shared a commitment of collaborating in addressing water resources challenges and striving for sustainability in development.
The United Nations has selected ‘Why Wastewater?’ as the theme for the 2017 World Water Day to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals, improve the collection and treatment of wastewater and safely reuse it while reducing the quantity and level of pollution of wastewater we produce, to help protect the environment and precious water resources.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha speaks at the meeting.
|
He noted that most of the wastewater from households, cities and urban areas has not yet been processed but is discharged directly into the environment, consequently polluting the environment and clean water sources, which is becoming increasingly scarce due to the impacts of climate change.
The minister stressed the theme of this year’s World Water Day sends out a message that recycling wastewater could help improve water sources for living things on earth.
Vietnam is located in the downstream area. Two third of its river water resources originate outside the country, making it susceptible to relevant decisions made in upstream countries.
Vietnam’s average domestic water resource is estimated to stand at 3,600 m3 per person per year, well below the world figure of 4,000 m3. Pressures from economic growth and growing population have led to water pollution, degradation and depletion.
To tackle this shortcoming, the Party and State have developed guidelines and policies to enhance management, and make effective and sustainable use of water resources, ensuring green growth and sustainable development, minister Ha emphasised.
The minister called for the community’s concerted efforts to tackle environmental challenges in general and wastewater in particular.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Bac Ninh People’s Committee Nguyen Tu Quynh said his province is growing rapidly with significant environmental problems, particularly wastewater from craft business and household activities.
The Chairman urged active participation of the whole society in improving and protecting water resources.
During the meeting, participating international organisations and domestic businesses shared a commitment of collaborating in addressing water resources challenges and striving for sustainability in development.
